Basicly a 21-year-old Turkish guy. Although my name means "King of the East", I am not that majestic. I am a simple boy who is interested in some cultural things. People I know consider me as a calm and inquisitive one - which I agree with. I like long, deep conversations. So it is obvious that I am not a party-boy, but I am quite easy-going one, don't worry about it. I am not depressed at all, just the music that plays in the background of my life is kinda chill out :) I suppose the word "open-minded" became a cliche, so I emphasize my point without using it: I never ever judge someone because of his nationality, religion, sex or sexual orientation. Also I believe that this is not a 'virtue' at all. These are things that one cannot choose - except religion. The real virtue for me not to judge a person for their choices and life-styles. I am still trying to gain this virtue.

After two years of independent but difficult dormitory-life, I returned to my parents' home. They have another house outside of Istanbul and from time to time they go there to rest.

And so on... In fact, I am still too young to talk about myself.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

For share and learn something. Isn’t that the main aim of this platform? I don't like five-star hotels, I don't like heart-shaped pools; I want to feel the city, I want to hear the language. That’s why I am here. But also...

I have a emational motivation to be here too. I grew up within a multi-cultural family. My mother, her parents and all of her relatives migrated to Turkey from Macedonia in mid-50's. And as a child, I saw these old people, I listened their stories, I slept with their lullabies, I enjoyed the cultural differences between the families of my mom and my dad. Unfortunately, in the last decade, almost all the people I've mentioned passed away. For several years, I do not have the chance to enjoy this cultural diversity anymore. And I realized how valuable this cultural diversity is and I miss the very experience of it. And I believe that CS is a good way to experince it again, and with a more universal vision :)

Interests

History, naturally. Literature, especially poetry. Travelling.

• culture
• classical music
• folk music
• history
• theatre

Music, Movies, and Books

MUSIC: I have a good sense of admiration. So although I listen almost all genres, I will list the people I admire. Firstly, Leonard Cohen. I feel myself so lucky to live at the same time with him. Then, regardless of political views, I admire Morrissey. (Not 'The Smiths', but Morrissey himself.) I also enjoy late-romantic composers like Wagner and Brahms. (In fact, although I don't know German, my friends calls me "Germanophile" as a historical reference to Enver Pasha who is our commander-in-chief in WWI.)

My favourite director is Visconti. I'm addicted to his films. Also I like Bergman, Majidi, Ceylan etc.

Books... Attention: Germans again... Thomas Mann's «Tonio Kröger» is my favourite novella. I think this novella deeply affected my life. I love all of Thomas Mann books. Then I admire Hesse, Goethe, Schiller and -finally a non-German- Proust.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

As a wise man once said, "Walking on earth is more amazing than walking on water."
If we think about the bloody centuries, life itself without amaze expectations is amazing enough.
(Just found a better way to say there is no amazing thing I've done🤭)

Teach, Learn, Share

I am studying history, so if you are interested in history too, that means we can talk a lot :) I can share my knowledge about my culture/s. As I said, I like the long evening/night conversations with a beer or with a cup of coffee. If we cand find harmony, I am sure that it would be a pure pleasure.

I teached Turkish for a short time to foreigners. So if you are interested, I am ready to it too. I can share the hidden gems of Istanbul. But I emphasize it: "real" hidden gems! I was born in here, I raised here, I spent almost my whole life in this city - so you can trust me abot the recommendations :) Of course we can find a lot of other things to share, it’s the most significant thing for human beings.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am quite compatible one. If you are not talkative, it’s completely understandable for me. I like silence. But if you want to talk about anything, listening and answering you would be my pleasure. So, you really do not need to worry about any possible character dismatch. I can adapt easily.

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Georgia, Iran, Kosovo, Macedonia, Saudi Arabia

Countries I’ve Lived In

Macedonia, Turkey